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COPYRIGHT DEPOSn^ 



SOME FANCIES IN VERSE 



SOME FANCIES 
IN VERSE 



BY 

MARY PETTUS THOMAS 



NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON 

THE NEALE PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1906 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
TwoCooies Received 

MAY 18 1906 

Couyright tntry 

CLASS%,'^Xc7no^ 
COPY 13. ^ 



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Copyright, 1906, by 
The Neale Publishing Company 



TO MY SISTER 



"Now for the joy in the making, 
Take them O fond and true, 
And for her sake who made them 
Let them be dear to you." 



CONTENTS. 
The Four-Leaf Clover. 

PAGE, 

The Four-Leaf Clover i6 

My Lady 17 

A Duet ig 

In Answer to the Question 20 

My Books 21 

A Flower Fable 23 

An Orderly Ballad 25 

The Degree Preferred 27 

Was She Right? 28 

His Resolve 30 

Lines Sent with an Easter Offering., 32 

"Dinna Forget Me in the New Century" S3 

A Valentine 34 

Going! 35 

Going, Gone ! 36 

The Guide 38 

Forward 39 

Nestor Intercedes 46 

Like a Flower 49 

'Twas Ever Thus 50 

The Hunter 51 

Our College Town 53 

The Academia Girl 57 

Presentation Address 59 

"Um Einem Gruss in der Scheidestunde'' 60 

Whom God Took 62 

In Childhood's Realm. 

Will's Desire 68 

AVhat Is a Gentleman? 70 

Divine Drudgery 71 

God's Lanterns y;^ 

Her Valentine 74 

Captured Conversation 75 

II 



PAGE. 

A Little Pig Tale 'jy 

Ping Pong at Baylor 79 

What Shello Liked Best 81 

Like Dr. Toots 82 

Jack, My Dog 84 

Address of Welcome 86 

Two Roses 87 

Father and Child 90 

Two Pictures 91 

To Dreamland Sent. 

Sleep, My Sweet 96 

To the Dark, Dark Woods 97 

Morning-Glory Vision. 98 

A Rainbow Gay 99 

Wake, Oh Wake! 100 

Maida's Dreams loi 

A Queen's Plaint 103 

Disappointment 104 



THE FOUR-LEAF CLOVER 



Who is not superstitious — a little? Who does 
not feel glad to see the new moon, for the first 
time, over the right shoulder (or, is it the left?) — 
to find a pin with the point turned toward him — 
to make a wish while a meteor is falling — to 
stumble on a four-leaf clover? 

That came from the Garden of Eden, so a 
Mohammedan legend says. To Eve — poor 
Mother Eve — on leaving her first home was given 
the privilege of taking one flower with her. She 
chose the clover, and was in the act of plucking it, 
when the angel, with the flaming sword extended, 
cried, "Pass on !" She seized three leaves, and 
since then the clover has grown with that number. 
One plant with the original four leaves, pitying her 
who had left all beauty and happiness, crept out- 
side the garden walls, and grew. 

Sometimes now in wandering through the 
fields 'Svhere clover blossoms red and white do 
blow," one finds a sprig of that which came from 
Eden's garden. Happy he who finds it ; for to him 
it is a sure sign of the health, wealth, fame, and 
friends that will be his — some day. 



15 



THE FOUR-LEAF CLOVER 
To Mildred. 

"One is for fame, and one's for wealth, 

And one's for a faithful lover, 
And one will bring me glowing health — 

Rare, good luck to find this clover." 

Adown the path where Golden-rod, 

Fair Autumn's crowning glory, 
And royal purple Asters nod. 

They are telling love's sweet story. 
Right at her feet, a glad surprise, 

She beholds a Four-Leaf Clover. 
On this bright morn, with joy she spies. 

From Eden's walls, the loving rover. 

Thro' shim'ring leaves the sun looks down 

And glints her waving, yellow hair. 
"You have, indeed, a golden crown, 

And — Eve herself was not more fair. 
May all good things which Clover brings 

Ever, Sweetheart, round you hover." 
"What need I more?" the clear voice rings; 

"I have my faithful lover." 

Not wealth, nor fame — her years were few- 
On ev'ry path are shadows found; 

Yet was the leaf an omen true — 
Love's halo girt her life around. 

i6 



MY LADY 
C. J. H. — August 1 6, 1904. 

By her, whatever fitting- seems 

Instinctively is known, 
Since she no creature low esteems, 

To all is kindness shown. 

Graciously is outstretched her hand 
To sufferings humankind ; 

To call her blessed, her husband 
And children are inclined. 

In her presence men find easier 
Pure thoughts and noble deeds, 

And earth a little heavenlier 
Because she upwards leads. 

In those about her virtues grow 
As 'neath her fostering care, 

Flowers that else would never blow 
Make sweeter all the air. 



17 



O crucible rare is woman's heart, 
"Man can not love/' we're told; 

Yet, by process of Love's alchemy, 
Base metal's changed to gold. 



i8 



A DUET. 

A fair maid crossed the hills one day, 
And plaintively sang as she passed : 

"Springtime came, but soon slipped away; 
Summer flowers all faded fast, 

Autumn's here with chill and decay ; — 
Ah, if, sometime, something could last !" 

Down in the vale, a lad heard the lay. 
And sang in reply ere she passed : 

"When you're away, dark is the day. 
And winter's chill o'er earth is cast. 

Though all else change, remember, pray, 
My love, dear one, forever will last." 

They chanced to meet at close of day. 

When trees their length'ning shadows cast. 

"Let's go alone no more, I pray ; 

Then though the springs slip fleetly past, 

And flowers of summer fade away. 

Naught shall we care, for Love will last.' 



19 



IN ANSWER TO THE QUESTION— 

"What Is the Most Important Thing in Life?" 

The ruler said, "That wars on earth may cease — 
Let all have justice, liberty and peace." 

And he, who'd wisdom sought from early youth, 
Said, "Not possession, but the search for truth." 

With babe on knee, in eyes the light supernal. 
The mother whispered, "Love, for that's eternal." 

Oh, list ! "In knowledge of the One above 
Grow thou." And He's all Peace, all Truth, all 
Love. 



20 



MY BOOKS 

"What are the best books you have ever read, and why 
were they so chosen by you?" was asked. 

When Lockart asked, "What must be read — 
Of many books which one's most dear?" 

^'There's only one/' Sir Walter said, 
"No other written words I'll hear." 

That one with me the first's e'er been — 
'Twas deeply graved on childish mind ; 

And still this Book of Books within 
The sacred words of Life I find. 

Next comes the "Idylls of the King" — 

Arthur is ideally human ; 
Another poet's "Book and Ring" 

Shows Pompilia, perfect woman. 

The truest, purest love one sees 
Within the Brownings' "Letters." 

While "Sonnets from the Portuguese" 
One woman's soul unfetters. 



21 



Henri Amiel's ''Journal Intime" 
Mind and quiv'ring heart lays bare ; 

And ''Wilhelm Tell" I do esteem 

A plea for freedom, strong and rare. 

A Scottish idyl which will live, 

"The Bonnie Brier Bush," I'm sure 

To me much pleasure e'er will give. 
For 'tis, as fiction should be, pure. 

So is '7<^hn Gray," that perfect tale 
Which a Kentuckian twice has told 

Of manly strife in Blue-grass vale 
In the aureate days of old. 

In "The Other Wise Man" Van Dyke pleads 
"On worldly pomp lay thou no stress ; 

Through devious ways God safely leads ; 
Oft seeming failure proves success." 

"With Infinity in Tune" by Trine — 

The one last named, not least esteemed — 

Shows mystic realm that now is mine, 
A realm of which I'd only dreamed. 

These are the books which hold my heart — 
To higher thought e'er leading; 

Their charm will last till Life depart. 
And I be done with reading. 



A FLOWER FABLE 

Uproar heard in the garden near! — 

"Too long the Rose is queen ! 
Rotation in office — do you hear ? — 

Good rule has ever been." 

Many an old-time favorite 

Began to urge her claim : 
''To occupy the royal seat 

Has ever been my aim." 

"Of this collection I'm the gem," 

The haughty Aster said ; 
And fragrant Pink raised slender stem 

Above the Violet bed. 

The Morning-glory clambered o'er 

Sweet Peas and Dahlias tall ; 
And flaunting Poppy was quite sure, 

'T'll grace the royal hall." 

"Good-day!" the bright-faced Pansy said, 

"Of me the bards have sung" ; 
Then Marigold raised her shining head 

The other blooms among. 



23 



"I'd fear to say who must be queen, 

When all are fair — so fair ; 
But she who hath — thus e'er it's been— 

Doth get a larger share. 

"You who now wear a golden crown"— 
Just here the Judge grew bold — 

"You are the one to mount the throne, 
You, yellow Marigold." 

Haec Fabula Docet: 

Straws do the wind's direction show. 

'Twas not in days of old — 
For, from these flowers, all may know, 

Ours is the Age of Gold. 



24 



AN ORDERLY BALLAD 

The Knights of Bath and Table Round, 

Of Garter and Golden Fleece, 
The Orders of the Palm and Crown 

With founders did not cease. 
Masonic Order, T. P. A., 

Elks, Templars at this hour. 
The Honor Knights, and Pythians, say, 

''Chivalry's still in flower." 

Red Men, Woodmen, Colonial Dames, 

Sons and Daughters of brave sires 
(In many bands with lengthy names) 

Our country's weal inspires. 
There are Guilds in Science, Letters, Art, 

United Press, Sororities ; 
All Trades and Workers Unions start — 

They are necessities. 

Of Dorcas and Rebecca clan 

Not one ''is marked for rest" ; 
To ameliorate the state of man 

The "Stay-at-homes" are best. 



25 



Some Gideonites traverse this land, 

Blue-badged with noble aim ; 
While Christian League and Sunshine Band 

Shed gladness in His name. 

Envoi : — 

Co-operating energy 

Is order's wisest plan ; 
'Twill bring some day, Fraternity — 

True Brotherhood of Man. 



26 



THE DEGREE PREFERRED 

''Every woman must have her fad you see, 
Canary, cat, club, or else — a Degree. 
No taste have you shown for the first named three ; 
But much time have you given to the last," said 

He. 
"A. M. and Ph. D. attest the store 
Of knowledge you've gained from learning's lore ; 
Next, by loyal fervor swayed, a U. D. C. ; 
Ancestral culture and family tree 
Made you Colonial Dame, which gave C. D. ; 
Then a Daughter, D. A. R., the degree. 
Now, something Pd add to your last. Please hear ! 
Not E; for to me you've always been DEAR. 
DARLING'S the degree Fd confer," said He. 
'That one above all Pd prefer," said SHE. 



27 



WAS SHE RIGHT? 

A waning moon, a summer night, 
O'erhead the stars Hke lanterns bright ; 
A wearied man, just home from town, 
Saw on his porch what made him frown — 
A handsome youth, a maiden fair, 
To say "good-night" were standing there. 
"I'll just wait here in fir-tree's shade 
Until he leaves," the father said. 

Forgotten were his youthful days, 
Exceeding great was his amaze 
To find how long such partings are, 
Yet loth was he their joy to mar. 
The young man asked for just one kiss, 
For him 'twould prove the crown of bliss. 
He begged and begged, but she said, ''No .'" 
He begged again and would not go. 

An hour had passed the father knew, 
For he was tired and angry, too. 
His wrath increased with every word 
Of pleading from the young man heard, — 



28 



No more forbearance could be shown, — 
So when again the girl said **No," 
Aloud he cried in irate tone, 
''Do kiss the fool and let him go !" 

A flash of white up stairway sped, 

A long black streak as swiftly fled 

With panting breath and flying feet 

Out through the gate, adown the street. 

The father entered study dim, 

A smile played o'er the features grim. 

'It was a wise man, now I see. 

Who said. What fools these mortals be !' 

In after years, when as a wife 
She calmly viewed this thing called life, 
Remembering oft that summer night. 
She wondered if she did the right. 
'To solve this doubt, in vain I try. 
Please tell," said she, ''all ye who know- 
Now would it better been had I 
Just kissed the fool and let him go?" 



29 



HIS RESOLVE 

January i. 

The New Year lies an open book, 
The leaves all blank on which I look, — 

Boys, I'm not joking, — 
I want to keep those pages white. 
Now hear my firm resolve to-night : 

I will quit smoking. 

February i. 

"Ah, at it still !" I hear you say. 
You "thought as much on New Year's day' 
Do stop your croaking — 
Though this you see, yet will you find 
That not at all is changed my mind ; 
I zvill quit smoking. 

February 22. 

Can fine cigars be thrown away ? 
And do you think it is fair play 

The fun you're poking? 
You fellows tempt me and I fall. 
Again I say, in spite of all, 

I will quit smoking. 



30 



March 15. 

'Such conduct is not strange," you said, 
*My promises are simply made 

Just to be broken?" 
Well, the vow I make that very soon — 
Aye, ere the waning of this moon — 

I'll leave unspoken. 

April I. 

A self-respecting man at last ! 

To break off this which held me fast 

I have been trying. 
Still this one thing is in my power : 
Please hear me — at this very hour 

I will quit — lying. 



31 



LINES SENT WITH AN EASTER 
OFFERING 

'For every petal here 

A kindly wish I send. 
Health, hope, and gay good cheer 

Your Easter-tide attend." 

THE ANSWER 

Thanks, thanks to thee, my charming friend, 

For the gift this Easter morning brought ; 
Its dainty beauty cheer did send. 

But far much more the kindly thought. 
Violets blue and snowdrops fair 

Make tender mem'ries have full sway. 
I send in lieu of roses rare, 

Of bleeding heart, a slender spray. 



32 



"DINNA FORGET ME IN THE NEW 
CENTURY." 

Written on receiving a card adorned with a spray of 
forget-me-nots, and the request "Dinna forget me in the 

new century," 

She vows that you are unforgot, 

Although to you she writeth not. 

Her muse has lately gone astray ; 

She's pressing tasks for every day; 

But, ever and anon, the card 

Brings tender thoughts 'midst duties hard. 

Of all the gifts the centuries send 

The best — it is a loving friend. 

While then on earth her feet are set, 

She will not, zvill not, yon forget. 



33 



A VALENTINE 

Oh beauty rare, beyond compare, , 
I see in you I do declare ! 
O'er brow of white 
Gleams halo bright. 
For auburn hair 

Crowns that face fair. 
With eyes in hue 
Like violets blue, 
And cheek that glows 
With tint of rose. 

Do I love you ? The poet's art 

Can never tell how much, dear heart. 
No other one 
Beneath the sun 

Knows love more true 
Than I bear you. 
And yet you fear, 
Altho' Leap Year, 
To speak the word 
Which must be heard. 

Ah! did you say that you'll be mine? 
This very day ? My Valentine ! 



34 



GOING! 

A Parody, Also an Episode in the Life of Pretty 
Prudence. 

"Now, where are you going, my pretty maid?" 
"I'm going to the Cooking Club, sir," she said. 

"Pray, what do you learn there, my pretty maid?" 
"To make salads, croquettes, meringues," she said ; 

"Mayonnaise, candy, and to cook sweet bread, 
Compotes and sauces," said this pretty maid. 

"Nothing substantial?" with a groan he said. 
"Sandwiches of turkey and chicken," she said. 

"But of the 'staff of life' — do you make no bread ?" 
"Oh, yes ! Biscuits and waffles, kind sir," she said. 

"And then do you eat them, my pretty maid?" 
"The good saints deliver us, sir !" she said. 



35 



GOING, GONE! 
Another Episode. 

"Where now are you going, my pretty maid?" 
**To a meeting of the Wednesday Club," she said. 
''And what's done there ? — if you are not afraid 
To tell club secrets," smiling, he said. 

"We discuss all books that ever we've read, 
And speak of the writers living and dead ; 
Delight in the study of Browning we find — 
Wonderful he was, both in heart and mind" — 

('Twas a wry face he made, "He's great indeed !") 
"A Renaissance paper to-day I'll read. 

Of Michelangelo we'll also talk — " 
"Say, wouldn't it be nicer with me to walk? 

"Don't go to the club ! Let us go instead 
To the creek, by the old lime kiln," he said. 

"To your invitation should I give heed ? 
Just now, you were going elsewhere with speed." 



Z^^ 



■'1 am under promise to meet a friend, 
Some sage advice about business to lend ; 
But can I think of him when you are in sight? 
Please say you'll go with me ! 'Twill all be right." 

No paper was read at the club that day, 
And the talk about Art went all astray ; 
'Liar !" a business man was heard to say 
When the appointed hour had passed away. 

But o'er the hill they went, along the creek, 
Violets, ferns, and bluebonnets to seek. 
And the wedding-bells will soon ring, 'tis said, 
For Clarence and Prudence, this man and maid. 



37 



THE GUIDE 

"I cannot leave this joyous throng, 

This flower-strewn mead — all mirth and song; 

I cannot bear this heavy load 

Along that dizzy, upward road ; 

The thorns will pierce my feet," wailed she, 

"It cannot, cannot be !" 

"That is the path marked out for you, 
That narrow way you must pursue — 
Go ! my child," again the voice says ; 
And, trembling, she obeys. 

Unseen, because of tear-dimmed eyes. 
One goes before in angel guise 
Who timely cuts the briers keen 
That o'er her pathway lean. 

A breathless pause ere set of sun — 
A backward glance o'er stretches wide — 
And then — she knows her loving guide : — 
Lo! 'tis the thorn-crowned One. 



38 



FORWARD 

"Sieh' vorwarts, und nicht hinter dich." 
I 

Will you hear again the story of the Titan brothers 

twain 
Who are said, in distant ages, to have dwelt on 

Grecian plain? 
Epimetheus, or Afterthought, the younger being 

named, 
Pondered on the gone-by Yesterdays, — 'tis for 

this that he was famed, — 
Backward looked, nor of the present thought, and 

thus did not prevent 
Fair Pandora, the All-gifted, sent by Zeus with 

ill intent, 
From opening wide, through wantonness, that 

casket strangely wrought, 
And letting loose on Hellas land the direful woes 

it brought. 



39 



II 



Prometheus, the elder ( Forethought being called), 
with steadfast gaze, 

Ever forward turned far-seeing eyes unto the 
coming days, 

Sought the dwelling of the Sun in distant East, 
where Faith had birth. 

And, as the radiant orb was rising from the Earth, 

He touched to it his hollow reed and some celes- 
tial fire caught. 

Then back to caves where shiv'ring men in vain 
their comfort sought 

He went, and gave to them this wonder — this pre- 
cious spark divine. 

Which, thought he, would prove a blessing great 
— of their poor lives the wine. 



Ill 



He taught them to make fires whose bright blaze 

and upward curling smoke 
Afar-off caught the gaze of Jove and his mighty 

Mountain Folk, 
Showed them how to build their houses out of 

wood and stone — and more. 
How to plow, to sow, to reap, and how to find and 

use the ore. 



40 



Gone from them, and forever, were all their wild 

and savage ways ; 
And e'en the dwellers in the caves had sunward 

turned their gaze. 
In their hearts they thanked Prometheus for the 

gift brought from the Sun, 
For well they knew that he for them the joy of 

Life had won. 



IV 



And this Prometheus, this wise seer, who helped 

them better grow, 
He whose desire was granted to make them hap- 
pier than before. 
He who remembered the joy-filled days of 

Saturn's peaceful reign — 
When living meant no struggle and they nothing 

knew of pain ; 
When o'er fragrant flower-decked woods and 

meadows floated bird songs rare, 
Though filled the vines with luscious Autumn 

fruits, 'twas Spring time everywhere — 
Pleased, he cried, "A new and better Golden Age 

will dawn again. 
For no Lotus Land of ease can now be Paradise 

to men." 



41 



"Look forward, Werner, and not backward!" 

'Twas this Frau Gertrude said 
To inspire with courage the husband, who, with 

timorous dread. 
Feared much to take the step that would plunge 

the Switzers into strife, 
Though Austria with despotic rule was crushing 

out their life. 
Her words aroused him, and, swearing with Wil- 
liam Tell and others 
To stand together, they became a nation of true 

brothers, 
Free as were their sires who rather than be slaves 

preferred to die, 
Forward looked, drove out the foreign hordes, 

while trusting God Most High. 



VI 



Now if from stories such as these, because in fic- 
tion shrouded, 

We learn no lesson, let's hear him whose faith's 
by no doubt clouded — 

That valiant soul whose ringing words found in 
the one great Book 

Are these : 'This I do ; forgetting things behind, 
I forward look, 

42 



And to the goal — the prize of God's high calHng — 

onward I go." 
Into our hearts Hke strains of martial music clear 

and loud should flow 
These words of courage, trust, and cheer, while 

we with banished fears 
Stand in the Now — a quiv'ring heart-throb twixt 

the past and coming years. 



VII 



Some past hopes of ours have found fruition in 

spite of loss and pain ; 
There have been sweet comradeships, and pleasant 

toil of hand and brain. 
Though we've failed, and in our blindness fallen, 

yet if we've nobly striven. 
All we've done, or bravely failed in doing, sur- 
vives as power given. 
Not success is true worth's measure. To win 

nobly is sublime ; 
But our Lord's ''Well done" is for him who does 

his best — who dares to climb. 
No act however humble, though never loud 

acclaims may ring, 
But may be a hinge on which the gate of Heaven 

will swing. 



43 



. VIII 

Nature's trend is ever onward. Near the river's 

bank you'll find 
Not only slender reeds and rushes, but the mighty 

oaks inclined, 
Following the direction of the current tending 

toward the sea. 
There should be no backward going. Let us learn 

this lesson — you and me. 
Who left Eden's gate could not return, so the 

flaming sword was raised ; 
But no Paradise stands barred in front of you, 

Heaven be praised ! 
As the Earth turns on its poles round and toward 

the Sun forevermore. 
So should we to hope beyond a failure, to Life 

beyond Death's door. 

IX 

"Where no vision is, the people perish," thus the 

wise man said. 
Who does not cherish high ideals, yet, while living, 

is he dead. 
Cromwell heard when but a lad, "Thou shalt be 

England's greatest man" ; 
He is ranked as "not an accident, but a shuttle in 

God's hand." 

44 



And she who led her country's soldiers, — that 

white-souled Maid of France, — 
She had listened to ''The Voices." Think you hers 

a work of chance? 
Inner voices ever upward call to those who will 

but hear. 
Do not think it a strange saying, but to you and 

me they're near. 



X 



Now this is the lesson for you. ''Forgetting the 

things behind 
And reaching to the things before, press forward" 

until you find 
That for which Paul bravely struggled — "of 

God's high calling the prize." 
Before are hills sunlit with promise. You need 

to lift your eyes. 
Visions fair and much more radiant than in the 

Past were known 
To those who will but see, in the Future truly will 

be shown. 
High ideals shall be realized. Heaven — on Earth 

begun — 
Does not hoard up all its glories for the sinking of 

Life's sun. 



45 



NESTOR INTERCEDES 
Lines 247-285 from Homer's Iliad, Book i. 

Then clearly spake the sweet-voiced Nestor, slow 

rising to his feet — 
E'er from this worthy Pylian's tongue flowed 

words like honey sweet, 
Two generations of men, during his life, had 

passed away. 
He, o'er the third, was ruling now with benefi- 
cent sway : 
''How much would Priam and all the sons of Troy 

rejoice to know 
That you, the leaders of the Greeks, were in 

wrath contending so ! 
Through all the Achean land a flood of crushing 

sorrow pours. 
Then hearken to my words of counsel, — my years 

outnumber yours, — 
In days gone by I was with warriors more valiant 

far than ye. 
Such elsewhere have I never seen, nor think 

again to see. 



46 



None of those living on the earth can with them 

be compared — 
Dryas, called shepherd; Polyphemus, the God- 
like nature shared ; 
Peirithous, Cseneus, Exadius, Theseus, — all 

mortal sons, — 
Yet from their deeds of valor could be likened to 

immortal ones. 
Bravest of earthly men were these who after 

Centaurs sought 
In their mountain caves and strongholds and 

mightily with them fought. 
Called by them from my far-off home-land, I 

helped them to pursue 
And slay the frightful monsters, and their own 

stubborn wills subdue. 
They reverenced and obeyed me, as I would that 

ye should do, 
Since nothing pleases so the gods as does obedi- 
ence true. 
O Agamemnon, wide-ruling, wrest not from 

Achilles brave 
Briseis, the fair-cheeked maiden, whom to him 

the Greeks first gave. 
Cease from your wrath, no more your anger 

show, O Atreus' son, 
Against the hero who for you has many victories 

won. 



47 



Nor you, O valiant Peleus, tho' goddess-born, the 

king oppose. 
Know that to him the God of Heaven his lasting 

favor shows. 
Against his warring mighty hosts you will in 

vain have striven. 
For to no sceptred king has e'er such power been 

given." 



48 



LIKE A FLOWER 

"Du hist wie eine Blume" — Heine. 

Ah, like unto a flower 
So fair and pure thou art ! 
I look at thee and sadness 
Doth steal into my heart. 

On thy dear, golden head my hands 
In blessing I would lay, 
Praying that God may keep thee 
Thus pure and fair alway. 



49 



TWAS EVER THUS 

From the German. 

A hungry little chicken found 
A shining stone quite rare ; 

He straightway hid it in the ground 
And kept it, not to wear. 

"I'd be a very happy sir," 

The poor little chickie said, 

"If only this fine diamond were 
A tiny bit of bread !" 



50 



THE HUNTER 

From Schiller's Wilhelm Tell, Act III, Scene I. 

O'er the mountains, thro' the valleys low, 
When the day is brightly dawning, 

Armed with quiver and with bow, 
Hastes the hunter — danger scorning. 

Above the peaks of changing hues 
The mountain eagle proudly reigns ; 

But crags and clefts the hunter views, 
And sets o'er all his rightful claims. 

To him belong the creatures all 

That fleeting wing their way thro' air — 

On whatsoe'er his arrows fall. 

E'en in the wild beasts' hidden lair. 



51 



From 

Wilhelm Tell. 

Act IV, Scene III. 

Hurriedly comes dread Death to all — 
One may in vain for a respite call ; 
Perhaps it takes away from strife — 
Sometimes from a glad full life ; 
Prepared or not, with, or without, fear, 
All must before the great Judge appear. 



52 



OUR COLLEGE TOWN 

Listen, and I'll tell you of a charmed spot, 

In a goodly land toward the sundown plains. 
That glows and shimmers in the sun's rays hot, 

But is deeply green after vernal rains. 
With a golden light the moon and stars beam 

As nowhere else save on Syrian plains ; 
With fleckless blue the skies at noonday gleam, 

Toward dusk they blush with rose and purple 
stains. 

O'er emerald carpet, in fragrant mass. 

The spring Fairy lavishes blossoms bright ; 
With the bonnet blue, or buffalo grass. 

Primrose and buttercup the sward's alight. 
From oak, mesquite and cedar trees around. 

The Southern nightingale his whole soul pours 
In trills and cadences and liquid sound, 

Sweet as joy-mad skylark on England's moors. 



S3 



Mayhap of this Columbus had foregleam 

That lured across the unknown, treacherous 
way; 
And Raleigh, in his Eldorado dream, 

Saw how, like gold, o'er all the sunshine lay. 
That brave, aged knight, in quest of Fount of 
Youth, 
Heard of its spring, with tottering footsteps 
came, 
But sank before he reached it. ('Tis the truth 

That to the river near was given his name.*) 
Hemmed round by hill and stream, this sheltered 

nook 
Gave rest when finished was a savage raid ; 

Here brave and feathered chieftains counsels 
took, 
And dusky warrior wooed the dusky maid. 

Columbia's first, but doomed — sad-fated child 

Has gone. Time-Spirit waved his potent wand 
And changes came into this garden wild. 

From older States — e'en from the seas beyond — 
Men here did come, nor found the dangers feared. 

Of brick and stone they've wisely built and well, 
Thick,'during walls for spacious dwellings reared ; 

Store-houses large where merchants buy and 
sell; 



*The Leon River flows near Belton.' 
54 



Four coffers, strong, which money-changers 
guard ; 

Factories, foundries, kilns for brick and lime, 
Gins that clean cotton and the bolls discard. 

Wheels and looms have spun and woven long 
time 
The fleecy fabric. Flour and oil are made. 

A handsome palace that where Justice rules. 
Who would unto his knowledge add, 'tis said, 

Can quaff from Learning's fount in many 
schools. 
There are schools of State and Academic halls, 
Kindergartens and Baylor's classic walls. 

To churches five the peal of bells invites 
Where e'er are told glad tidings of great joy; 

Tree-shaded park by flowing stream delights; 
A library free to man and maid and boy — 
By woman's labors were the books all won. 
The house a gift from Scotland's generous son; 

For farmers' weary wives a room for rest — 
From far and near they drive into the town — 

Club-rooms for social functions, quite the best. 
And at the opera house no one could frown. 

Three journals printed here one may peruse, 
Wells, lights, laundries — the swimming pool's a 
treat — 

Steam and electric wires convey the news, 
The Interurban makes the town complete. 



55 



These change not — rivers, everlasting hills, 

O'er all still pours a flood of golden light ; 
From leafy covert sound the mockbird's trills. 
Sunsets of dazzling beauty greet the sight. 
From rock-ribbed hills great building blocks are 
hewn. 
Along the banks of limpid, murmuring streams 
Ferns like lace and violets blue are strewn ; 

On whitened fields ''the flower of commerce" 

gleams. 
In all the Lone Star State no spot more fair. 
Wouldst see it ? Ah ! Search not the wide world 
o'er 
As he who vainly sought to find out where 
The Four-leaved clover. Fortune's plant, might 

grow. 
And learned, at last, returning to his own. 
It, all the while, beside his door had grown. 
Wouldst know this place ? It shall be known to 

Fame — 
The town is ours, and Belton is its name. 



56 



THE ACADEMIA GIRL 

Not perfect was the Puritan Pris, 

Although John Alden was a sage ; 
Nor e'en that royal, haughty Miss 

Whose reign was learning's golden age. 
She who's a union of the two 

May be called a perfect woman — 
Housewife of skill and ^'stocking blue" ; 

She's alone, ideally human. 

Through Royal Academia Hall 

There goes from Baylor's classic ground, 
Through trials that school-girls befall, 

The only model to be found. 
She's jolly, though she is so wise — 

This girl who's wholly bright and charming 
She can do whate'er she tries. 

And her fads are ne'er alarming. 



57 



Then for this earnest college girl — 

The only kind that merits praise — 
Let bright-hued banner now unfurl. 

For her alone we standard raise 
On Honor's roll, that all may know — 

Perhaps somewhere among the great- 
The Hall of Fame her name will show, 

As best and grandest in this State. 

REFRAIN : 

Our royal banner now behold ! 

Of purple, lavender and gold ; 
Oh, proudly these we'll always show, 

The fairest colors here below ! 



58 



PRESENTATION ADDRESS 

From the Historical Society. 

"The crest and crowning of all good, 
Life's final star, is Sisterhood." 
Through me the Royal Academians 
Offer their sisters greetings kind ; 
They also send these little books 
And hope in them some good you'll find. 
On "A Little Journey in the World" 
Can be seen "The Man with the Hoe," 

"Afterwards" the "Campaigns in Spain" 
Follow "The Day's Work" you know. 
Now with them goes the wish : While you 
Through this the passing century 
Tread Learning's upward path, oh, may 
Your mission, as the poet's, be 

"To ease the steps and lift the load 
Of souls that falter on the road !" 



59 



"UM EINEM GRUSS IN DER SCHEIDE- 
STUNDE" 

Class Poem. 

Saying farewell ! Has it come to this 

That we, my classmates and I, 
Must bid adieu to loved friends here, 

To our teachers say good-by ? 
'Twas only yesterday — wasn't it? — 

That into these walls we came: 
Wide seems the chasm between Now and Then — 

Can we, or they, be the same? 

Dark, gloomy, and grim they massive rose 

Seen in the dim Hght of morn ; 
Look ! Now they are clothed with clinging vine 

Which flame-like flowers adorn. 
And our little rooms — my tiny one 

Seemed at first a prison cell ; 
Around it now, and forever will, 

Only fragrant memories dwell. 

How oft we'll recall in coming years 
The meetings there, the feasts galore. 

The watching for the starry showers. 
The secrets never told before. 



60 



We'll remember recitation rooms 

Where instructors held full sway, 
Where lessons better than the books contained 

Were taught us every day. 

We'd like to stay, we don't want to leave 

These memory haunted halls ; 
But Life's widened horizon stretches on — 

We hear inexorable calls. 
May precepts which have here been given 

Grow clearer every day, 
And characters they have helped to form 

Shine with steadfast gleam alway. 

May our souls be kept as lilies pure — 

Lilies white, with hearts of gold. 
That out from noisome, marshy bed 

Fragrance and beauty unfold. 
Not down in gay gardens of pleasure 

Are spent the most joyous hours, 
It is in the Master's fields alone 

Blossom forth the fairest flowers. 

May they who've led us in Wisdom's paths, 

May they *'to Heaven late return," 
And "Well done, thou good and faithful ones V 

Be the plaudit they shall earn. 
Along Life's road — Life's lengthening road — 

Whose end one seeth never, 
Safe within the hollow of His hand 

God keep you all — forever. 
6i 



WHOM GOD TOOK 
O., November 25, 1902. 

A sacred scribe in words still unforgot, 

Told thus the story of a human lot, 

'And Enoch walked with God, and he was not, 

For God took him." 
Did they of olden time much thought bestow 
On one to whom God did high honor show ? 
Or were their eyes holden so they could not know 

Till God took him? 

One was with us who daily walked with God. 
'Twas thus no dreary life-path that she plod ; 
Flowers of sweetness sprang where'er she trod ; 

And God took her. 
In our hearts' deepest love we gave her share ; 
But never thought that we, 'mid daily care, 
Had entertained an angel unaware 

Till God took her ! 



62 



In pain, she ever saw her truest Friend, 
Who for all needs His promised help did lend. 
'Twas light at eventime, and peaceful was the end 

When God took her. 
Though taken from *'our bourn of time and 

space," 
We know she has in Heaven found that place 
Where of earth's sorrows can be seen no trace 

Since God took her. 

To keep her safe from grief and pain and fears ; 

To take away from her all trace of tears ; 

To guard, protect her through the timeless years 

For this God took her. 
She walketh now on shores to us unknown, 
'Mid glories never yet to mortals shown ; 
With the redeemed she stands — one of His own ! 

For God took her. 

And all the days for her new beauties hold ; 
The wondrous story of His grace is told ; 
And in that place undreamed-of joys unfold 

Where God took her. 
In joyful service yet she spends her hours; 
Unused are none of her perfected powers ; 
The good she did remains as fadeless flowers, 

And God took her ! 



63 



IN CHILDHOOD'S REALM 



"How was it then in childhood? * * * We 
have all wandered through this silent forest of wonders 
— we have all at one time opened our eyes in blissful stu- 
pefaction and the beautiful reality of life overflowed our 
soul. Then we knew not where we were and who we 
were — then was the whole world ours, and we belonged 
to the whole world. That was an eternal life — without 
beginning, without end and without sorrow. In the heart 
it was bright as the sky of spring, fresh as the odor of 
violets — quiet and holy as a Sunday morning." — Deutsche 
Liehe. 

"Blessed be childhood for the good that it does, and 
for the good which it brings about carelessly and uncon- 
sciously by simply making us love it and letting itself be 
loved. What little of paradise we see still on earth is due 
to its presence among us." — Amicl's Journal. 



^7 



WILL'S DESIRE 

"Ye must be born again !" Will had begun 
Just dreamily to think of all the fun 
He and Dave had Saturday catching trout, 
When the preacher's deep, earnest tones rang out. 

"I will have to sit up and listen well, 
For I'm certain Ma'll call on me to tell 
From what chapter and verse he took his text ; 
And if I don't know she's sure to be vexed. 

"I think she might ask Bess." Demure and fair, 
With long, shining tresses of sun-kissed hair. 
Cheeks that in color with peach-blossoms vied, 
Sat sweet, dimpled Bess by her mother's side. 

"Bess can tell, for she's nothing else to do 
But think of the sermon the whole way through. 
Were I as pretty, I'd sit still as she — 
How I wish I could be under that tree !" 



68 



"Ye must be born again !" The solemn voice, 
The straight glance at him, left Will no choice. 
Listen he must. "Could I have a good time 
I should like it," he thought. "No trees to climb 
To gather peaches for comp'ny to eat, 
And then be scolded if I scratch my feet 
Or tear my breeches ; to work no flowers, 
Nor drive little chickens out of showers. 

'Never hunt up horses, nor go to mill, 
Nor drive the cows over that steep, hot hill ; 
Not to cut wood, nor draw any water — 
Be cared for always like 'little daughter' ; 
Never a whipping; instead, a caress — 
How happy I should be if I were Bess ! 
So — I will ask the Lord this very morn, 
To make me a girl next time I am born." 



69 



WHAT IS A GENTLEMAN? 

^'A tall man helping somebody," 
'Twas thus the answer ran, 
When asked by mother jestingly, 
''What is a gentleman ?" 

"You're right, my child," she gravely said, 
"But to that I would add : 
Whose heart is pure, who speaks the truth. 
Who always shuns the bad; 

"Who steadfast goes in Duty's way 
Unlike the men of old 
That ever feared the Sirens' songs 
Though they were warriors bold ; 

"Who is polite to man and maid, 
Does all the good he can — 
Whate'er his dress, or work, or rank, 
Name him a Gentleman." 



70 



DIVINE DRUDGERY 

*I should like to make some money; it is needed 

by the Board 
To send, to those who sit in darkness, the mes- 
sage of our Lord, 
I cannot join the 'Hen Society,' although I'm 

country bred, 
I ne'er could manage chickens ; of sitting hens I 

am afraid." 
Then out spoke her little nephew Will — no one 

more brave than he : 
"Not a sitting, pecking, clucking hen has ever 

frightened me. 
Let us be partners. You buy the hens, and I to 

you will show 
That how to manage little chickens, I certainly 

do know." 

Alas, for the confident lad — for the plans he 
formed that day ! 

He learned the best laid schemes for money- 
making "gang aft agley" ; 



71 



Cholera — chickens' fell destroyer — soon laid the 

two hens low, 
Worse — his mother's caught the dread disease — 

a legacy of woe ; 
This signal failure grieved her ; then came a new 

resolve one day, 
"I still can make some money — 'where there's a 

will there's e'er a way.' 
To do some sewing, I'm determined" (by her 

mother she'd been taught) ; 
So on her sister's winter dress with diligent 

hands she wrought. 

Not of ''band, and gusset, and seam," renowned 

in "Song of the Shirt" ; 
To musical hum of machine, she sang the "Song 

of the Skirt." 
"Who sweeps a room as by Thy laws, makes that 

and th' action fine," 
Then who shall say that sewing may not be made 

"drudgery divine"? 
To the Board she sent the pittance earned, to buy 

the blessed Books 
For those who had them not — when found in 

valleys low, or mountain nooks. 
The gospel lightened burdens of weary toilers 

and their wives, 
It made the Lord have better servants — made 

men lead purer lives. 



GOD'S LANTERNS 

In the evening's crimson glow 
The parents drove, in converse low, 
Unmindful of the child whose eyes 
Gazed with delight on sunset skies. 

"Mamma, look there !" he quickly said, 

Directly pointing overhead, 

Where giant oaks, their branches flung; 
"One lantern is already hung." 

The day star was no more in sight. 
But o'er the trees shone Venus bright. 

"Whose, dear?" she asked in tender tone; 

"God's lantern," said the little one. 

"Through Nature up to Nature's God," 
Along the weary life-path plod 
Those who forget, or ne'er have said, 

"They are God's lanterns overhead." 



n 



HER VALENTINE 

Louise was reading a letter one day, 

And when Lois begged, "Please show me a 
line," 
Her sister, smiling in rapturous way. 

Said, '*Oh, no ! It's from my Valentine." 
But she hugged the dear child and kissed her 
brow 

(Louise was eighteen, the other was four) 
As Lois continued, ''I want one now," 

And neither heard the opening door. 

'What's a Valentine like ? What does he do ?" 
"Oh, mine is handsome and — everything good," 
Said Louise quite softly — "a lover true" ; 

Then saw that near by the father stood ! 
Straight into his arms the little one flew. 

"If you are sister's, then are you not mine? 
'Cause nobody in the world's like that but you ; 

Now, can't I call you my Valentine?" 

He laughed outright. "I was one once, my pet. 

When I still was young and gallant and bold. 
Your precious mother thinks I am hers yet, 

Although I'm gray and getting old. 
So, if you wish it, from this very day 

I'm yours to command, O girl of mine ! 
Until the prince comes to take you away 

I'm proud to be called yoiir Valentine." 
74 



CAPTURED CONVERSATION 

*Tf all the year you are loving and kind, 
Stockings full of presents on Christmas you'll 

find!" 
Tis this the mother tells them all the days ; 
They never, never doubt the thing she says. 

On the floor they sit in the early dawn, 
Otho and Will and Baby Joe. 
"Mother wants sleep, though it is Christmas morn ; 
Boys, we mustn't make noise you know." 
Around is scattered every kind of toy- 
Wise Santa knows just how to please ; 
*'He's the doodest old man !" says Baby Boy, 
And gives his stuffed dog a squeeze. 

A shining sword and gun Will views with pride. 

''Just what I wanted him to bring ! 
Say, how can Santa down this chimney slide 

And get no soot on anything?" 



75 



'Will, I believe that's one thing I can't tell — 

It's something very strange to me ; 
But there's much we'll not understand right well 
Till we have learned Philosophy." 

Oh little boys ! Oh happy days at home 

When Santa down the chimney goes ! 
Whenever from that hearthstone you must roam 

Where Life its bright face only shows, 
May you remember what from Her you hear 

(Her knowledge cometh from above) : 
'Not love of wisdom will make all things clear ; 

But wisdom born of perfect Love. 

'In coming years if you're loving and kind, 
Not presents, always, but Love will you find. 
When this thing you have learned then will you 

see 
That you have learned the true Philosophy." 



76 



A LITTLE PIG TALE 

Of that young pig you should hear 
Whose home was at Bell's, 

In an inclosure quite near 
Where little Fred dwells. 

In the garden at all hours 

And in the front yard ! 
To root up all the flowers 

This piggy tried hard. 

Through the front door all unafraid 

He'd walk in the house ; 
Twas then ''Little Mother" said, 

"Make him into souse !" 

''Father" cut him in the throat, 

And took out his brains ; 
To make use of every part 
There were spared no pains. 



17 



Fred claimed the tail as his own — 

Near piggy he'd stood; 
'Somebody by me is known 

To whom 'twill taste good." 

He sent Aunt Nell the pig's tail 

In a box quite big, 
And received by return mail 

Her "Tale of a Pig." 

'Let all piggies learn," wrote she, 

"From this Httle tale 
That theirs the same fate will be 

Some day without fail. 

Tf they continue rooting 

And going in the house, 
They will quickly go scooting 

Into sausage and souse. 

'And if their tails come to me — 

Whenever it's done. 
They mayn't think so, but they'll see- 

I'll eat every one !" 



78 



PING PONG AT BAYLOR 

Mary and Delia Peeping in the Faculty Room. 

''Delia, how that ball does bound ! 
Just listen to the pretty sound ! 
They've been playing all day long 
At the game they call Ping Pong." 

''Don't touch the table ! Stand this way !" 

That's what they hear Miss Emma say. 
"Just look at me !" Miss Jennings said, 
"Pm all grace," then tossed her head. 

"But if you want to hit the balls 
Just do like me," another calls. 

"Pm the one who makes it spin. 
Play like Meiners, then you'll win !" 

"The teachers think it is great fun — 
But they're leaving now. In let's run ! 
We can keep up that sing-song ; 
Whew ! Easy thing to play Ping Pong." 



79 



'Delia, hold your paddle tight ! 

You do not send the ball just right! 

It always runs the table o'er, 

And then falls right down on the floor/ 

'It's when you play the ball goes wrong. 
Oh ! Mary, I don't like Ping Pong ! 
You somehow hit the ball too hard — 
It's so much nicer in the yard !" 

'I wonder why they like it so? 
Now, you've sent the ball too low ! 
This game is such a tiresome thing, 
Please, let's go out doors and swing !" 



80 



WHAT SHELLO LIKED BEST 

A glove which from her hand did fall 
Dropped on the floor out in the hall ; 
When next 'twas seen by owner fair 
She had to view it with great care 
To find out what that thing could be 
Minus the thumb and fingers three. 
Shello came in with broad dog smile 
And wagging tail — quite free from guile, 
Though he'd remained just out of sight 
Till home the master came at night. 
Her tale of woe the mistress told ; 
The master laughed. ''Now, don't you scold ! 
You're not to blame, are you, Shello? 
Hungry, weren't you ? My poor fellow ! 
Now, what's the best you've had to-day ? 
Oh, oh! 'Lady-fingers,' did you say?" 



LIKE DR. TOOTS 

A True Story. 

I 
"I wish you were like Dr. Toots," she said 

Quite earnestly to Grace one day. 
"Why should I be that ?" asked the little maid, 
Then thought, " 'Tis an odd thing to say." 
To mother's wishes she ever deferred, 

Always with her she would agree. 
But — "like him who to her ne'er spoke a word ! 
Why ? How ?" Grace didn't at all see. 

II 

"When I am sick, he stays beside my bed, 
You oft forget me in your play; 
Sometimes, I want a drink" — Grace hung her 
head, 
Not one word in reply could say. 
"Remember, by him not a train was missed, 
When home was coming our 'Queen' ; 
Down at the station, when all you had kissed, 
■His was the happiest face seen. 

Ill 
"Few, on cloudy nights, church service attend, 
Get themselves wet they do not dare — 
One's zeal our pastor can warmly commend, 
Once, 'Toots was the only soul there.* 

82 



When I go shopping, Dr. Toots goes too — 
My buggy's guard, be it confessed ; 

He looks so fierce, and makes such great ado, 
That none dare my parcels molest. 

IV 

* When with the choir, that day in church you sang. 

How very delighted he seemed ! 
Once, o'er the others your voice clearly rang, 

Then how brightly his brown eyes beamed ! 
Proudly he looked 'round to see if, perchance, 

All proper attention did lend ; 
Yet, you deigned to give not even a glance 

To him, your dumb, devoted friend. 

V 

Tor you, I really think, if there were need, 

His own life would freely be given ; 
Because of Dr. Toots Grace takes scant heed, 

He is often to hunger driven." 
'Mamma, forgive me ! I'm sorry truly," — 

On her lash there gleamed a tear, — 
T shall ask the Doctor's pardon, surely ; 

I have been naughty, quite, I fear. 
Although I never, never did strike him — 

What is your meaning now I see ; 
Only a little black dog, yet, like him, 

I faithful and loving can be." 

83 



JACK, MY DOG. 
Miss Fan, loquitur : 

Of the trio we have had 
(Species — Canis, quadruped ) 
Jack's the best it seems to me. 
(Right down yonder by the fence!) 
He possesses hard horse sense 
Tho' without a pedigree. 

Handsome was the dog Shello; 
Toots, a musical fellow. 
Jack is not a prodigy ; 
Yet, you'd marvel if I told 
Of his cute tricks manifold — 
You must love him if you see. 

Grabs men by the trouser leg, 
''Call your dog away !" they beg. 
'Tis a girls' school well he knows. 
If a lady's step is heard 
(Do believe me every word!) 
Pretty manners then he shows. 



84 



In the office, rainy days, 

By the desk my good friend stays — - 

Feels I need some company. 

It warms the cockles of my heart 

In such devotion to have part; 

I feed him ; but — he loves me. 

If there is a heaven for dogs 

Far above these earthly fogs 

(Thus thought — wasn't it? — Agassiz), 

I know Jack will have a place, 

(Nig, you ought to wash your face!) 

Because of his fidelity. 



85 



ADDRESS OF WELCOME 

Open Session of the Strictly Secret Society. 

You'd scarce expect those of our age 
To entertain upon this stage, 
And on such things to lay much stress ; 
But — you don't know the S. S. S. 

We're youngest of the orders here, 
Our hearts are brave, we do not fear ; 
Much youthful vigor we possess — 
We little ones, the S. S. S. 

We welcome all, both young and old ; 
Our story's short — 'twill soon be told. 
And may it none of you depress — 
That's not the aim of S. S. S. 

Perhaps you think we'll tell our name — 
We can't do that, 'twould spoil our fame ; 
But, if you can, you sure may guess 
What mean the letters S. S. S. 

'Tall oaks from little acorns grow," 
The saying is. Although quite slow. 
We dare to say that we'll progress — 
We'll make it great, our S. S. S. 



86 



TWO ROSES 

Morning. — In the school-room. 

"We bring you these, dear teacher," 
Said Floy and Blanche one day, 

Coming in quickly to greet her, 
And on her desk to lay 

Two roses — Floy's, dark, rich crimson- 
Health's roses lit her cheek ; 

Alike in hue the red-brown hair 
And eyes that almost speak. 

Lily-faced Blanche, with purple eyes. 
Near by the teacher stood, 
Holding one, on which dew-drops shone- 

A moss-rose, pearly-hued. 
'Tn our home garden, once, these grew— 
My mother chose their place," 
The teacher said, then softly kissed 
Each beaming, flow'r-like face. 



87 



"In Earth's first garden, long ago, 

The roses all were white. 
As sinless beings, radiant 

With fair, celestial light; 
Till one, like this with velvet leaves, 

Touched by Eve's finger tips. 
Thrilled ; grew rosy, as with pleasure, 

When kissed by ripe, red lips. 

"There, too, is a pretty legend, 

I've heard the Germans tell. 
About this beautiful moss-rose 

My mother loved so well. 
'Once, to the earth came an angel. 

On Mercy's mission sent; 
To the wails of human mis'ry 

Attentive ear he lent. 

' 'He saw, ah, much that grieved him. 

But what most pained his heart, 
Mankind forgot their Brotherlove — 

In quarrels oft took part. 
Hungry, and foot-sore, and weary. 

As of our Lord was said. 
This Heaven-sent guest was given 

Nowhere to lay his head. 



'Into a garden then he went, 

Oppressed by sorrow deep, 
The rose-tree spread wide its branches, 

Wooing to restful sleep. 
With head, by violets pillowed. 

He dreamed, on dewy bed, 
Till the eastern sky grew rosy — 

The birds their matins said. 

'Then to the pitying flowers, 

Ere winging flight above, 
He promised a lasting token 

Of God's unchanging love. 
Now, on leaf and stem of rose-bush. 

The soft, green moss grows 'round — 
A cradle for new-born roses, 

Daintiest ever found. 

*To violets clings the sweetness still. 

Given to them that day ; 
Hidden 'neath thorny shrub, they glad 

The passer's weary way.' 
And we know to human flowers 

God gives His loving care — 
Lives that are spent in doing good 

Exhale a perfume rare." 



89 



FATHER AND CHILD 

'My father, stay with Baby, please !" 

He heard her Httle, pleading cry. 
He saw the dimpled, outstretched arms. 

And bending down, thus made reply : 
The bread's to earn, you must be fed, 

My pretty, blue-eyed lady; 
Now, don't you know that if I could, 

I'd always stay with Baby ?" 

But ever midst the burdens grave 

Which he, through all the day must bear, 
Rang echoes of his darling's voice, 

As floating strains of music rare. 
He smiled to think, ere set of sun. 

She'd greet him at his gate, maybe, 
With gladsome shout from red lips sweet, 

''Now Father'll stay with Baby !" 

That day the gleaming gates of pearl 
Our Heavenly Father opened wide, 

And there among the shining throng 
Made room for one more little child. 

A vision still of outstretched arms 
Is luring him Life's upward way. 

On to the islands of the blest 

Where "Father will with Baby stay." 

90 



TWO PICTURES 



Through flow'ring jessamine vine the moon- 
beams fall 

In lace-like fleckings on the floor ; 
From waving cherry-bough and oak tree tall 

The liquid notes of mockbirds pour. 
The warmth and fragrance and the music — all — 

The glory of the summer night reveals. 
At mother's knee, beside the open door, 

And clasping father's hand, he kneels, 
Low lisping, "Now I lay me down to sleep, 

I pray the Lord my soul to keep." 

II 

A cold and stormy winter's day is done. 
In Life's hard battles wounded sore, 
Within that room where Life for him begun, 

He lies beside Death's open door. 
He hears the sobbing of his little son. 

Toward anguished wife the dying eyes are 
turned ; 
Then — back in childhood's realm he is once 
more — 
His lips repeat the prayer first learned : 
"I know, I knozv the Lord His child will keep, 
And now — I lay me — down — to — sl-e-e-p." 



91 



TO DREAMLAND SENT 



'Drowsing in that golden sea 
Where the reahns of Dreamland be." 

Eugene Field. 



The mother gently rocked her child to rest, 
And downward o'er the cradle bent ; 

On rosebud mouth were kisses softly pressed 
As she the babe to Dreamland sent. 

Visions bright and fair the little one had 
As gaily she through dream realms went. 

What there was seen and heard will make hearts 
glad 
That she was off to Dreamland sent. 

Roused in the dewy morn by mother's song 
Which with bird carols sweetly blent — 

'Tis this that's told in the cycle of song 

We here have called "To Dreamland Sent." 



95 



SLEEP, MY SWEET 

The golden sun has sunk quite far 

Adown the glowing west, 
And little birds are twitt'ring low 

In warm and downy nest ; 
While floating near on sunset clouds 

Are hosts of rosy dreams, 
A-coming to all little ones 

On whom the moonlight beams. 
Now cuddle down^ my baby sweet, 

And go to sleep, my dear ; 
There's naught of harm can come to thee, 

Thy mother's ever near. 
Down the walls the moonbeams creep, 

Oh sleep, my sweet. Oh sleep ! 



96 



TO THE DARK, DARK WOODS 

Baby's kitten soft and white 

As gently as he could, 
Took her on his back and ran, 

Out to the dark, dark wood. 
Up to the top of tallest tree — 

High, so high, he went ! 
Out to the end of slender limb 

Which swayed, and swayed, and bent. 
Kitty spied a shining ball 

Which might his play suit well, 
Springing then to catch the star, 

Down, down, the baby fell. 



97 



MORNING-GLORY VISION 

Morning-glories climbed the wall 

To see a baby fair, 
Sweetly smiling in her crib 

Mid dreams of angels rare. 
Secrets sweet the flower fays breathed 

Into her dainty ear, 
Rosy fingers clasped the vines 

That came so very near. 
Slipping down she softly dropped 

Into a crimson flower ; 
Sipping fragrant dew she passed 

A merry, joyous hour. 
Moonbeams chased her from her bower 

Which shone so brightly red, 
Now when the wondering eyes unclose 

She's in a warm white bed. 



98 



A RAINBOW GAY 

A rainbow gay picked up the babe, 

And sailed away with her 
To land her in a coral shell, 

Where golden treasures were. 
Just at the end of this bright arch 

Her fairy bark was hung. 
And baby clutched at daisies white 

As on through space she swung. 
She in this pretty tinted boat 

Sailed far into the west. 
Oh! will she ever, ever come 

Back to her downy nest? 



99 



WAKE, OH WAKE! 

Wake, oh wake, love, my pretty blue-eyed dear ! 

Dreaming sweet dreams you have passed the 
night. 
Caroling song-birds, hear, oh hear, oh hear ! 

Fill o'er with melody morning bright. 
Sweet, sweet the coral lips by kisses pressed, 

Opening now to tell the secrets deep 
Of witching flower fairies who, in their jest. 

Smiling wooed you into dreamy sleep. 
Now, on daisies white and roses red, 

Glistening dew-drops gleam like jewels rare. 
It is time to leave your soft white bed, 

Vanished now your dreams, can you say where ? 



100 



MAIDA'S DREAMS 

As Maida munched, 'neath spreading shade. 

Some candy from molasses made, 

Smearing her hands as well as nose, 

And streaky making her nice white clothes. 

She felt that clean were hands and face — 

Of candy was not left a trace. 

Down at her side she thought she saw 

A long-haired poodle sucking his paw. 

''You horrid dog !"— an angry blow— 

"How could you dare to lick me so?" 

Next Maida heard, in great surprise, 

The brown-faced doll, with staring eyes, 

Keep saying to her clear but low, 

"I told you so ! I told you so !" 

"You told me what?" she faintly gasped. 

"Although you hold your book quite fast 

The study-hour is long since o'er ; 

I said you'd fall asleep once more 

And would, thus, off to Dreamland go. 

To which you— naughty girl— said, "No 1" 



lOl 



The candy man with cheeks bright red, 
With plume-trimmed hat upon his head, 
Hopped down from off the mantel shelf 
And came to greet her own sweet self. 
With open mouth she took him in, 
Not thinking that it was a sin 
Until he screamed, as he went down, 
With noise enough to rouse the town, 
*'To think the child would treat me so ! 
I never dreamed she was my foe." 

And then she saw through windows bright 
A thousand forms like poodles white. 
And brown-faced dolls, and candy men — 
It seemed to her like millions ten — 
Come in, the room, climb on the bed. 
Troop o'er her body, e'en her head. 
With glee they said, as they passed o'er, 
''She might have known we'd cause her woe !' 
Tho' dreadful 'twas to Maida then. 
Soon she began to dream again. 



I02 



A QUEEN'S PLAINT 

Suggested to Louise of America by Gustav Richter's 
Portrait of Queen Louise. 

''Art grieved or sorrowful about something?" 
Queen Louise of Prussia was asked by the King. 

"Descending the stair I should not be seen — 
Ah! What's the profit in being a queen?" 

"Mein Liehchen," slowly spoke the august spouse, 
Love in all hearts will you ever arouse ; 
That face by art of limner eternized — 
Was such by a woman ever despised ? 

"Forever will you stand on the marble stair, 
Glorious Queen of Hearts with beauty rare ; 
Of your coiffure and robe of wondrous make 
Aye ! Millions of women will notice take." 

"Ach! Can you not see, gracious sire," she said. 
And leaned on his shoulder her regal head, 

"That my royal attire is not complete ? 
I have inelegant shoes on my feet !" 



103 



DISAPPOINTMENT 

She had just been reading of Cyrano, 

The man who went to the moon, 
And, lying there, she decided to go, 

Although 'twas the hour of noon. 

"And every girl will envy me," she thought, 
"Of course, 'twill be known quite soon, 

That this little hand has truly been sought 
By the real Man-in-the-Moon." 

Now, how it was done she never could tell — 

Accounts of it are shady — 
But she went and looked, and — ^backward she fell, 

For — Luna is a lady! 



104 



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